With fans thinking the Milwaukee Bucks could be a small forward away from making noise, it's natural that Trey Murphy III is regarded as a dream trade target. Yet, NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required) reports any deal for Murphy is unlikely, as New Orleans continues to reject offers for their rising young forward. The Bucks should keep tabs on the situation, even if it's futile in the long run.
Murphy could change everything for the Bucks
It would be challenging to find a better-fitting target for the Milwaukee Bucks right now than Murphy. Though his season was shortened to just 53 games, the forward took a significant leap by averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. At 25, he's the type of young, rising two-way wing that every single team would love to get their hands on.
The Bucks would particularly like to get him, as their small forward spot is anything but sorted out.
Currently, the only legitimate small forwards on the roster are Taurean Prince, Chris Livingston, and Amir Coffey, who doesn't even have a standard contract. Some would argue Kyle Kuzma can play at the three, but he might be better-suited to play his natural position of power forward. A big-name small forward like Murphy could be the final piece of the puzzle for this retooled basketball team.
Murphy would be the dream target, but even if he were to become available, the Milwaukee Bucks wouldn't have the best offer available. Although the 2031 first round pick is incredibly valuable, the Pelicans would likely see that as a starting point; they would command much more. Other teams have the necessary capital to do that, while Milwaukee doesn't.
Fischer notes that the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs are two teams with interest in Trey Murphy III, and they have more assets than Milwaukee. Still, the Bucks should not give up hope. Even if they don't land Murphy, that doesn't mean this roster is set in stone.
The Milwaukee Bucks are always lurking. General manager Jon Horst is persistent when it comes to leaving no stone unturned in trade discussions, and he certainly didn't change his ways this summer. There hasn't been a massive trade yet - Milwaukee's big move may have been bringing aboard their center of the future in Myles Turner - but that could change at any given moment.
Milwaukee should circle back on Murphy at the NBA Trade Deadline to see how things are shaping up down in New Orleans.
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